National Maritime Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Our commercial maritime tradition dates back to the founding of our
Nation; and it continues to play an important role today, moving
passengers and freight, protecting our freedom, and linking our
citizens to the world.

Merchant mariners have served America with distinction throughout
our history, but especially at critical moments. Before World War II,
they made dangerous and difficult voyages carrying vital supplies to
Europe. During that war, more than 700 United States merchant ships
were lost to attack, and more than 6,000 merchant mariners lost their
lives. Merchant mariners played a vital role in the Korean Conflict,
especially in the rescue of 14,000 Korean civilians by the SS MEREDITH
VICTORY. During the Vietnam War, ships crewed by civilian seamen
carried 95 percent of the supplies used by our Armed Forces. Many of
these ships sailed into combat zones under fire. In fact, the SS
MAYAGUEZ incident involved the capture of mariners from the American
merchant ship SS MAYAGUEZ.

More recently, during the Persian Gulf War merchant mariners were
vital to the largest sealift operation since D-Day. And after the
tragic attacks of September 11th, professional merchant mariners and
midshipmen from the United States Merchant Marine Academy transported
personnel and equipment and moved food and supplies to lower
Manhattan. Their efforts enhanced rescue operations and helped save
many lives.

Today, the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine and
thousands of other workers in our Nation's maritime industry continue
to make immeasurable contributions to our economic strength and our
ongoing efforts to build a more peaceful world. We must ensure our
maritime system can meet the challenges of the 21st century. As cargo
volume is expected to double within the next 20 years, a viable
maritime network will help our country compete in our global economy.

Accordingly, my Administration is working with government agencies,
the shipping industry, labor, and environmental groups to ensure that
our waterways remain a sound transportation option that complements our
overland transportation network.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the
Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has
designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day," and has
authorized and requested that the President issue an annual
proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2002, as National Maritime Day.
I call upon the people of the United States to celebrate this
observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes
and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under
the American flag dress ship on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.